Sugar Tree Golf & Country Club

Fort Worth area golfers know about Sugar Tree, but unfortunately the news hasn’t spread much further about this must-play golfing gem laid out on the banks of the Brazos River. Built by Phil Lumsden on his ranch, this is a course easy to fall in love with because of its unique character and small-town charm. Every hole is memorable, with magnificent old oak trees, 55 bunkers in play, water in play on most of the holes, lots of interesting blind golf shots, and quality, average-size greens that putt true.

No. 1 is one of the better holes, a challenging, 402-yard par 4 with a creek along the left that cuts in front of the green. Hole 5 also stands out on the front, highlighted by the trees in the center of the fairway–you’ll need to pay attention to your tee shot on this long par 5.

On the back the signature 210-yard No. 12 features a creek that runs from the left of the tee across the fairway, with a neat-looking water wheel by the green providing some country charm. On the 15th, Lumsden’s old barn is next to the fairway, another example of Sugar Tree’s rugged character.

Getting there : From I-20 west, take Exit 403 and turn left. Drive 10 miles south until you cross the Brazos River. The course is only a short distance away after crossing the river, and the entrance is on the right side of the street.